8TH TANK BN COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91 12 APR 91

File: 970107_aug96_decls2_0008.txt
Page: 0008
Total Pages: 60

Subject: 8TH TANK BN  COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91  12 APR 91     

Unit: 8TH TANK BN 

Parent Organization: 2 MARDIV    

Box  ID: BX600007

Folder Title: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991                                           

Document Number:          1

Folder Seq  #:          5




                                            UNCLASSIFIED


               through 20 January to a new assembly area southwest of Al Kibrit, Saudi Arabia
               (vic QR 8883). The road march was conducted without incident over-two days
               because of the distance (approximately 65 miles) involved.
                  Early in the morning of 23 January, by order of 6th Marines, the battalions
               conducted a very short notice "shakedown" night movement of 22 kilometers to a
               new position (vic (2R 925810). The purpose of the movement was to discover
               exactly what combat essential assets the battalion could move without
               echeloning logistical transport. The battalion successfully completed the
               "combat essential gear" move.
                  On 27 January 1991, the battalion detached 15 tanks to 2nd Combat Engineer
               Battalion to form Regimental Breach Team Alpha. These additional assets were
               assigned as security vehicles for the plow and blade tanks already assigned.








                                              I Feb - 28 Feb 1991
                  During the period I February -,28 February 1991, 8th Tank Battalion
               intensified its training and made further preparations in anticipation of
               being committed to offensive combat and its anticipated minefield breaching
               role. The battalion also made two sizeable movements and received various
               attachments in preparation for combat. This period was characterized by
               extensive coordination and planning with 6th Marines as the battalion became
               attached to the regiment per the division's combat task organization.
                  8th Tank Battalion moved to an assembly area northwest of Al Kibrit, Saudi
               Arabia (vic 06 750130). With each movement, the battalion refined its
sary
               equipment and placing the heavy administrative support section at Al Kibrit.
               The battalion made its last major pre-combat movement on 14 February 1§91.
               .This 70 mile road march brought the battalion to what would be its final
               assembly area before the beginning of the ground offensive. This position put
               the battalion near the Kuwait border (vic OS 331781) northwest of Al Kibrit.
                  Early in February, the battalion began task organizing for combat, gaining
               necessary attachments and detaching elements to other Gth Marine units. Two
               attachments of note were the 2 LVTC-7's provided by 2nd AAV Battalion which
               allowed the battalion to mechanize its Alpha and Brava Command Groups and the
               arrival of three Kuwaiti Scout/Imterpreters. On 2 February lggi, the
               battalion detached "Al' Company to 2/2, 6th Marines.
                  As February progressed toward the 20th, the battalion focused more   and more
               intensely on its breaching mission. The tanks for the breach teams were full
                                                                                               y
               equipped with their plows and rollers and the final crew assignments and
               training were completed. Extensive maintenance and recovery assets were
               re-positioned within the battalion. Though heavily taxed, the battalion was
               a@le to provide 2nd and 3rd echelon support to two detached tank companies and
               two special breach teams in addition to the battalion's remaining equipment.
                  The culmination of the battalion's preparations came on 20 February - 22
               February 1991 as the battalion practiced its roles during rehearsals of the
               planned breaching operation with the Gth Marines. These rehearsals ranged
ers and staff to a full dress
               rehearsal involving all vehicles and personnel who would actually conduct the
               attack through the Iraqi obstacles.
                  The 23rd of February was a maintenance standdown to prepare the battalion


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                                             UNCLASSIFIED

Document 60 f:/Week-34/BX600007/COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991/8th tank bn command chronology nov 90 to mar 91:01029709504317
Control Fields 17
File Room = aug96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-34
Box ID = BX600007
Unit = 8TH TANK BN
Parent Organization = 2 MARDIV
Folder Title = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991
Folder Seq # = 5
Subject = 8TH TANK BN COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 02-JAN-1997